Everyone has cataracts and presbyopia? Don't worry, this method can solve it...

"The words are too small, I can't see clearly..." "My eyes are always foggy, as if covered by something..." These seemingly ordinary naggings from parents may be silently suffering from the dual troubles of cataracts and presbyopia. How can we help parents return to a "clear world"? Let's uncover the truth about cataracts and protect the light in our parents' eyes with science and care.

1. Cataract: Not just presbyopia

The lens of the eye is like the lens of a camera, which should be transparent and clear. However, as we age, the protein in the lens denatures and becomes cloudy, light cannot penetrate, and vision gradually becomes blurred. This is cataract. It is not only caused by age, but also by ultraviolet radiation, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.

• Symptoms beyond “unable to see clearly”
• Vision may appear foggy, with reduced contrast and dull colors.
• Photophobia and glare (such as seeing halos around car lights at night).
• Some elderly people experience "visual recovery" (presbyopia suddenly improves and they no longer need to wear reading glasses), but in fact it is cataracts that cause refractive changes.

2. Cataract + presbyopia: double trouble

Presbyopia is blurred near vision caused by decreased elasticity of the lens, while cataract is a decrease in overall vision caused by lens opacity. The two often occur together: most patients experience blurred vision at both near and far distances as cataracts form after developing presbyopia, and some patients may experience the illusion of "deteriorating myopia and reducing presbyopia", which is actually a change in refraction caused by worsening cataracts and changes in lens density.

If cataracts are allowed to develop, they may cause serious complications such as glaucoma, lens dislocation, and even permanent blindness.

3. Wait until the cataract is “ripe” before surgery?

Waiting until the cataract is "ripe" before surgery may delay the best time for treatment. Cataract surgery does not have to wait until the patient is "blind". In the past, medical technology was limited, and surgery had to wait until the lens was completely hardened. Today, phacoemulsification technology is mature, the surgical incision is only 2-3 mm, no sutures are required, and vision recovers quickly after surgery. If it is delayed until the "overripe stage", it may cause glaucoma, uveitis, and even permanent blindness. Surgery can be performed when the patient's vision is impaired by cataracts and affects his life. Delaying treatment will greatly increase the difficulty of the operation.

4. Concept update: from recovery of sight to clear vision

Cataract surgery: Only the cloudy lens is replaced with a monofocal intraocular lens, and reading glasses are still required for near vision after surgery. Refractive cataract surgery: Multifocal or continuous-range intraocular lenses are used to simulate the adjustment function of the natural lens and meet the needs of diversified eye use scenarios.

5. From prevention to treatment: Comprehensively protect parents’ eye health and prevent cataracts at an early stage

Sun protection and eye protection: Ultraviolet rays are the primary cause of cataracts, so wear sunglasses when doing outdoor activities.

Control blood sugar and blood pressure: Diabetes increases the risk of cataract progression, so monitor blood sugar and blood pressure regularly.

Regular screening: annual eye examination after age 50 (especially for people with diabetes and high myopia)

Make an appointment with a cataract specialist, and key examination items include: vision test, slit lamp examination (to observe the degree of lens opacity), intraocular pressure measurement (to prevent glaucoma), fundus examination, etc.

Experts remind: Although cataracts are inevitable with age, they are not invincible. Early diagnosis and treatment are the key. Take your parents to regular eye examinations and use scientific choices to open up a "high-definition world" for them.